In 1847, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweiss, a physician working in a Vienna hospital, came to believe infections were being spread by doctors who did not wash their hands between patients.

Semmelweiss instituted a new procedure: all doctors and nurses had to wash in a chloride of lime solution after autopsies, and with soap and water between patients. Doctors also had to change into clean lab coats before examining patients.

The doctors protested: “Are you saying we are dirty?”

The protests were to no avail. Semmelweiss was a powerful hospital administrator, and the rule went into effect. As a result, hospital mortality rates dropped like a rock. Patients stopped dying.
I bring up this story because <SNIP>

There has been increasing awareness, particularly over the last thirty years, of how canine assisted activities and therapy might be utilized to improve the quality of life, as well as the treatment outcomes, for individuals. Historically, animal assisted activities has referred to the ‘meet and greet” programs in which animals visit patients in hospitals, or nursing homes, providing patients with an opportunity to pet and socialize with a friendly animal and handler. Animal assisted therapy is the deliberate and systematic use of animals in professional care plans, to help patients reach defined treatment goals. They are used to help normalize situations, socialize, calm and motivate patients. Dogs are particularly well suited to this work because of their long history of living and working with humans, and the ease with which we are able to train them. Some populations that have benefited from canine assisted activities and therapy include: nursing home patients, shelter residents, prison inmates, including juvenile delinquents, hospice clients and their families, special education students, including autistic children; and both acute care and rehab hospital patients

When it comes to vaccinating dogs, what we think we know, and what is true, is often completely different. The truth behind vaccination protocols for dogs (and cats) is shocking. Learn which shots are dangerous and about testing for immunity instead of vaccinating (with titer tests). I’m an award-winning dog health book author who has studied vaccination for many years with the help of countless vets, many of whom asisted with this video. I do not profit in any way from your decisions.

TOPEKA, Kan. and SCHAMBURG, Ill., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ — America’s struggle with weight gain and obesity is an issue that extends beyond the human population — it is now a serious problem that plagues 54 million cats and dogs in the United States(1). To address this issue, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the most trusted authorities on animal health and welfare, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition(R), a leader in pet nutrition, announced the Alliance for Healthier Pets, a joint partnership to raise awareness of the pet obesity epidemic and to educate pet owners on the life-threatening health dangers linked to overweight pets.

With approximately 35 percent of the total pet population being overweight or obese(2), America’s pets are at greater risk than ever before for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and potentially, a shortened life expectancy. With this in mind, the AVMA and Hill’s designed the Alliance for Healthier Pets to help empower pet owners with the most up-to-date medical information, weight-loss tools and prevention tips to help keep their pets healthy. Most pet owners are not aware that their cat or dog is overweight, and through this Alliance, AVMA and Hill’s hopes to raise awareness of this important issue and encourage people to take action when it comes to their pet’s health.

“The launch of this Alliance with Hill’s is an unprecedented joint initiative that for the first time places the full force of America’s veterinarians behind fighting pet obesity and educating pet owners,” said Gregory S. Hammer, D.V.M., president of the AVMA. “We feel an enormous responsibility to address this pet health crisis, and we are proud to be working with Hill’s to help overweight dogs and cats lose weight and get fit.”

The AVMA and Hill’s Alliance for Healthier Pets will rollout various interactive programs and tools for both the veterinary community and pet owners designed to encourage healthy lifestyle activities, proper nutrition, and preventative screenings. As a first step, the AVMA and Hill’s are encouraging pet owner’s to take action today and pledge to help America’s pets lose 50 million pounds this year through the 2008 PetFit Challenge.

“The AVMA is a true leader in the field of animal health and welfare. We are thrilled to partner with them to bring this important issue to the forefront and encourage pet owners to get serious about the health of their pets,” said Neil Thompson, president, Hill’s America. “We hope the Alliance for Healthier Pets and PetFit Challenge will help inspire pet owners to take action today.”

Like humans, poor eating habits and a lack of exercise greatly contribute to declining health and weight gain in pets. For example, just five extra pounds on a medium size dog, like a Beagle, is the equivalent of nearly 25 additional pounds on an average woman. And, for a medium size cat, like a Siamese, four extra pounds equals 45 additional pounds on an average woman. To help bring this to life for pet owners, the Alliance is launching an 18- market PetFit mobile tour that will offer consumers an interactive “science museum”-like educational experience and one-on-one nutritional consultations with veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and veterinary students.

Additionally, Hill’s and the AVMA have partnered with celebrity fitness trainer and loving pet owner, Gunnar Peterson to create a proprietary People and Pets Fitness video that provides pet owners with simple exercises to get themselves and their pets in shape. This video, along with new pet-focused weight loss tools, are available for free at http://www.petfit.com/. In addition to directly providing consumers with these important tools, the program also will supply veterinary hospitals and clinics with an Obesity Awareness and Prevention kit. This in-office kit contains collateral and educational information that will encourage pet owners to work with their veterinarians on creating a healthy lifestyle for their pets.

For more information on the program, the weight-loss challenge, fitness video and tools along with the tour schedule, pet owners can visit http://www.petfit.com/.

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 76,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to animal, human and public health and welfare. Visit AVMA.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Prescription Diet(R) brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Science Diet(R) brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 55 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill’s has never wavered from its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and provide to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information on Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. and Hill’s Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition(TM) visit HillsVet.com.